Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday promised to build good relations with neighbouring India if it comes to power, a pledge that drew attention, given the party’s long-held tough rhetoric on Delhi.
The commitment appeared in Jamaat’s election manifesto unveiled at Sheraton Dhaka hotel in the capital, where Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman outlined what sounded like a noticeably softer foreign policy tone.
In the document, the party spoke of pursuing “peace, friendship and cooperation” with neighbouring and regional countries based on mutual respect and fairness.
India was listed alongside Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand, suggesting a diplomatic reset that contrasts with many of its past political positions.
Jamaat leaders said their proposed foreign policy would focus on boosting Bangladesh’s global image, improving the strength of Bangladeshi passports and expanding international partnerships.
The manifesto also emphasised closer ties with the Muslim world while maintaining constructive relations with major powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and Canada.
The party further pledged to widen diplomatic engagement with Eastern Europe, Africa and South America, presenting the plan as a broad strategy to raise Bangladesh’s international standing.
Observers noted that the manifesto’s language struck a more pragmatic tone than the party’s earlier anti-India narratives, leaving many to wonder whether electoral realities are reshaping long-standing positions.